VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
96kW@3800
Torque
450 Nm
285Nm@2200
Fuel
7.9 l/100km
14.9L/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
1500kg
0-100 km/h
—
18s
Engine
2999 cc
4164cc
Choosing between the Isuzu D-Max and the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Isuzu D-Max delivers 140 kW while the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 produces 96kW@3800. On fuel, the D-Max returns 7.9 l/100km while the Land Cruiser 79 uses 14.9L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R810 960 for the D-Max and R398 600 for the Land Cruiser 79. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Isuzu D-Max3.0 DDI LS 4x4 A/T D/C P/U 2026 - From R810 960
Toyota Land Cruiser 794.2d PICK-UP 2009 - From R398 600
Performance
Power Output
140 kW
96kW@3800
Torque
450 Nm
285Nm@2200
0-100 kph
—
18s
Top Speed
-
140km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
4164cc
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 6
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
diesel
DIESEL
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
6
5
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.9 l/100km
14.9L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
17.3L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
10.06L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
76 l
180L
CO2 Emissions
208 g/km
-
Dimensions
Length
5265 mm
5231mm
Width
1880 mm
1770-mm
Height
1805 mm
1970mm
Wheelbase
3125 mm
3180mm
Ground Clearance
227 mm
235mm
Kerb Weight
1995 Kg
2140kg
Doors
4
2
Seats
5
2
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
1500kg
Load Capacity
1060 lkg
1105kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✗
EBD
✓ Standard
✗
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✗
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✗
Airbag Count
7
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✗
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✗
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
—
✗
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
-
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
-
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
—
✗
Sunroof
—
✗
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
—
✗
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✗
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
100000km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
-
Service Plan Years
6yr
—
Service Plan Distance
90000km
—
Service Intervals
15000
5000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Isuzu D-Max
3 / 4 categories
Performance
D-Max
Fuel Economy
D-Max
Value
Land Cruiser 79
Practicality
D-Max
Pros & Cons
Isuzu D-Max
Better fuel economy (7.9 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Toyota Land Cruiser 79
Lower starting price (R398 600)
Higher fuel consumption (14.9L/100km)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the D-Max or Land Cruiser 79?
The D-Max uses 7.9 l/100km and the Land Cruiser 79 uses 14.9L/100km on the combined cycle. The D-Max is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the D-Max or Land Cruiser 79?
The D-Max produces 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the Land Cruiser 79 delivers 96kW@3800 and 285Nm@2200 of torque. The D-Max is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the D-Max and Land Cruiser 79?
The D-Max starts from R810 960 and the Land Cruiser 79 from R398 600. The Land Cruiser 79 is cheaper by R412 360 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the D-Max or Land Cruiser 79?
The D-Max has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Land Cruiser 79 can tow 1500kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the D-Max or the Land Cruiser 79?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider